RUGBY UNION: Wallingford shock leaders (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY UNION: Wallingford shock leaders

10:30am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Rugby

Southern Counties North

WALLINGFORD stunned morning leaders Reading Abbey 25-22, boosting their own survival hopes in the process.

The match was switched to Abbey’s ground with the Hithercroft pitch waterlogged.

Wallingford’s victory was all the more remarkable as it came just seven days after their 70-0 humbling against Grove.

Returning No 8 Kris Blaszko and fly half Will Bishop bagged tries, the former converted by Bishop, as Wallingford led 12-0.

Abbey passed up several kickable penalties, but after visiting lock Joe Hoare was sin-binned, they replied with a try from full back Tom Waterhouse, converted by Joe Murphy.

Bishop kicked a penalty before Abbey lock Simon Allison was yellow-carded, but Waterhouse hit back in kind.

Left wing Ben Selwood chased his own chip to score Wallingford’s third try, but Bishop’s clearance was charged down, with Murphy scoring and converting for 20-17.

Wallingford’s right wing Fraser Hunt finished well in the corner, Waterhouse soon replying with his second try.

Visiting captain Antony Marris was sin-binned as was home wing Jules Greenaway.

Abbey spurned more kickable penalties, but Wallingford held on well.